How do you sift through all your inspirations and decide what makes it into a finished print? 

Louise Hill (LH) I always begin with a hand drawn sketch which helps me to piece together my ideas, which in turn are created using a mix of photography, illustration and hand finished detailing.  The overall printed artwork will be a multi-layered fusion of photos taken outdoors of details from architecture and everyday life, still life shots taken in my studio of curated vintage objects from my personal collection, and sometimes photos of my own illustrations. The final design tends to come together through symmetry and balance, with the images chosen for their subject matter, colours and cultural significance. 

Take us through your moodboard. 

LH My physical mood board is a place where I can group together the ideas which are constantly swirling around in my mind! [It's] a place where I can plan out my designs in stages, where I can pin inspirational images and where I can keep reminders to myself. I am a person who thinks "visually", so I find it very helpful to be able to look at an overall instant reference to what projects I have planned next. Not only is this incredibly cathartic but much needed, and I couldn't live without it! 

What are some of the things you can’t compromise on in terms of your art-making process? 

LH I like to use my own imagery and it takes time to find the right pieces as many of my Asian "found objects" will be shipped here from all over the world! I then spend many weeks editing and piecing my images together to create one final printed artwork which is often tweaked several times before I am 100 percent happy with it. Some of my prints also have one final layer of gold inks or foils added to them for an extra added layer of interest. A good chunk of my design career was spent pre-computer when we drew everything by hand, so I still love working this way and now mix this with my computer skills. 

How do you think your perspective in your art might differ from that of someone who grew up in Singapore, or from your customers'? 

LH My work is based on my own personal perspective: that of a foreigner who has lived and travelled in Asia for many years, but also that of an artist and graphic designer who has been exposed to Asian design elements from a young age—I have been inspired by imagery from Asia at home growing up with well travelled parents, also designers who love to collect, and my Grandfather who used to travel to Hong Kong for business and bring back beautiful ceramics, vases and little silk brocade covered boxes full of trinkets for my Nanna. The differences in our perspectives often make for wonderful conversations and I find that some customers really enjoy my nostalgic take on the beautiful cultural elements from their home countries and the little references that remind them of their childhoods and grandparents’ generation—all playfully brought together with a contemporary feel. Some expat customers also buy my work as a “momento” to take with them as they embark on new adventures elsewhere. 

How do your relationships with people—friends, clients, suppliers—influence your work? 

LH These relationships mean everything to me. I am blessed to have some supportive friends who have helped and continued to help me along the way.  Everybody needs a sounding board, especially with friends you trust to give you good advice, support and constructive criticism. 

The feedback from my clients also means the world to me. I still answer all of my social media messages personally as I love to form bonds with my customers—some of them have been with me since I started, long-term followers whose supportive comments and likes absolutely make my day. I love receiving images of my artworks in their new homes and heartfelt thank-yous from customers who let me know how well a "leaving gift" was received. It's great to feel connected to my clients in this way.  

As for my suppliers, I have been lucky to find the most wonderful printer and a fantastic framer and art installer, both of whom are growing with me and helping me on this journey. They definitely feel like family, and we treat each other with great respect and professionalism—once I find the right people to work with, I am extremely loyal. It is important to look after these relationships. 

(Related: Home Tour: A House In Tanjong Katong With A Toy Collector's Dream Room)

How do you want people to feel when they look at your works? 

LH There is a myriad of emotions that any one person can feel when they look at artwork and many different reasons for buying it, so I suppose if I were to choose, it would simply be a feeling of happiness—a recollection of fond memories made overseas or perhaps a feeling of calm and peaceful contentment, if it were one of my delicate and gentle pieces.  I would also hope there would be a sense of curiosity as the eye discovers new layers as many customers mention that each time they look at my work, they often discover something new, a little detail that they haven't seen before.

Are there any future projects we should look forward to? 

LH Yes, I have a long list of artwork ideas for Singapore, Hong Kong and the rest of Asia, product ideas, collaborations and packaging design to come. My work is either self-generated, collaborative or commissioned. I love being busy, and wouldn't have it any other way!